Women in Leadership: Breaking Internal and External Biases

The International Women’s Day conference held at Strathmore University Business school on March 4^th 2022, aimed to connect women leaders across Africa and provide a platform for African women leaders to deliberate on the issues affecting them. It focused on the changing role of women leaders and how they are breaking barriers and biases to lead Africa to a sustainable future. The conference featured powerful, engaging women leaders who are trailblazers in different sectors.

As we strive for gender equality in today’s world, one of the biggest issues we face as women is tackling unconscious internal barriers before we can confront the external biases that threaten our development. It is important that we tackle barriers so that future generations of women leaders are not held back from reaching their full potential. As a delegate attending the conference, I was inspired by the wisdom and courage of the women who shared their leadership journeys and were willing to be vulnerable and open about the numerous challenges they have faced throughout their careers. This article aims to share some of the insights and nuggets of wisdom gleaned from the powerful discussions during the panel sessions.

The first barrier that you should begin to tackle as a woman is the barrier within yourself. The fear of not being good enough. The fear of failure. The fear that paralyses action and keeps you safely ensconced in your comfort zone. When opportunities present themselves, how do you quieten the inner voice that says, “I will not be able to do it. Why did they ask me? I am not good enough!” Fear and self-doubt will prevent you from trying and the opportunities will pass you by, leaving you with a fleeting sense of relief before you realise what you have lost by playing small. Susan Jeffers coined the phrase, “Feel the fear and do it anyway.’’ Every great achievement lies on the other side of fear. Sometimes the fear of novelty or inexperience will prevent you from raising your hand and saying yes to opportunities. Speaking during one of the panel sessions, Ms Irene Wanjiku, CEO of Rexe Roofing Products Ltd said that there may be times when you may not feel qualified or when you may not know everything about something you may be asked to do. Even then, always say yes to the opportunity and learn by doing, learn as you go along, and you will be surprised at what you can accomplish. Indeed, you never know where life can take you by saying yes. Ms Phyllis Gachau, Group Head of Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations at TransCentury Plc observed that sometimes life is not about how you dreamed it would be but it is shaped by the opportunities that come your way. Say yes and see where life will take you.

Another internal barrier that keeps women from reaching for new heights is imposter syndrome. Speaking during one of the panel sessions, Ms Annete Kimitei, Managing Director of Senaca East Africa, a leading security solutions provider in East Africa, spoke about the discomfort a women can feel when thrust into a leadership position in a typically male dominated industry and how she found the courage to overcome imposter syndrome to confidently take the helm of the organisation. There are times in life when others will not allow you to play small when they recognize the seeds of greatness in you. Sarah Karingi, CEO of Sarma Holdings Limited, firmly believes in the power of seeing greatness in others and offering a voice of encouragement. If you are starting out on your career journey, seek out mentors and coaches who can offer support and help build your self-confidence. Surround yourself with the right people, it is never too late to change your circles of influence. If you are an experienced leader then invest your time in building future leaders. You may just be the voice that makes all the difference in another leader’s development and helps them to step out into their own greatness.

One of the most beautiful stories on embracing authenticity was told by Mrs. Beverley Spencer Obatoyinbo, Independent Non-Executive Director, Previous MD, BAT East and Central Africa during her keynote address. A woman advised her to dress and act like the men when she was taking up a new leadership position which shows that some biases can be perpetuated by women themselves. However, she refused to compromise on her authenticity. She advises women to change the narrative and be authentic, to be unafraid to show their vulnerability and see it as an asset, not a weakness. Her mantra is, ‘Lead with Love.’ She believes that women should invest in developing their Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and lead with compassion and empathy. By understanding their own values and Personal Value Proposition, women can clearly articulate who they are and what they stand for. The journey to authenticity begins with understanding ourselves. When we understand ourselves and embrace our unique selves, we can compete with confidence and self-assurance and ask for what we want boldly and take control of our own destinies.

Women shy away from talking about their own accomplishments. They are hesitant and believe incorrectly that confident women are arrogant. The truth is that if you do not believe in yourself then no one else will. In order for people to have faith and trust in you, they must know who you are and what you are capable of. One of the most powerful ways to establish credibility with others is to consistently deliver extraordinary results. When people become familiar with your achievements, they will advocate for you. Everyone needs a champion. Someone who will speak on your behalf when you are not present. In order to cultivate your champions, you must deliver value. When you are reliable, consistent and demonstrate that you are a person of integrity who will produce quality, who will go the extra mile and deliver on time then your reputation will begin to precede you and open doors for you even before you have walked into the room.

Finally, invest in your personal development. Continuous learning can pave the way for new doors to open as you enlarge your capacity to deliver as a leader. Learn as much as you can by keeping up with industry trends, continuous professional development and expanding your breadth of knowledge. Pass on your knowledge to others through mentorship and coaching. Believe in yourself and others. The legendary poet, Maya Angelou once said, ‘Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.’ So go out there and shine and as you do this you will be lighting the way for others to follow.

Article by: Shailja Sharma, Executive Fellow and Coach

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